During the 26th EOTA General Assembly on 8 April 2025, representatives elected María Bento—Head of European Standardisation and Technical Regulation at ITeC and long-standing EOTA representative—as the new Chair of the EOTA Technical Board. She takes over from Matthias Springborn (DIBt, Germany).
As Europe enters a new chapter under the recently adopted Construction Products Regulation (CPR 2024/3110), EOTA’s role in supporting CE marking through European Technical Assessments (ETAs) becomes even more vital—especially for non-standard, innovative, and green construction products.
In her new role, María will lead EOTA’s technical work across all European Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs). With a strong background in engineering, a clear understanding of the industry's needs and a deep commitment to EU-wide cooperation, María will steer EOTA's Technical Board through a period of transformation.
We are taking this opportunity to talk to her about her new role and what lies ahead for EOTA and the construction industry.
EOTA PR team: Maria, congratulations, on your election! We are delighted to have you as the new EOTA Technical Board Chair. What does becoming Chair of the EOTA Technical Board mean to you and how do you see this role?
Maria: Thank you very much! It is an honour to serve as Chair of the EOTA Technical Board. I see this role as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the success of the ETA route at a key moment of transformation. With the new CPR we are entering an important phase, and I am excited to help guide EOTA’s technical work, building on the progress achieved so far and ensuring we stay focused, pragmatic and, most notably, aligned with the evolving needs of the industry.
EOTA PR team: For those less familiar with EOTA, could you briefly explain what the ETA route is and how it impacts the construction sector? And of course, how the EOTA Technical Board comes into play.
Maria: The ETA route provides a reliable pathway to CE marking in cases where no harmonised standard is available. It is particularly valuable for innovative or non-standard construction products. The EOTA Technical Board oversees all technical aspects related to European Assessment Documents, the umbrella documents that serve as a basis for the European Technical Assessments (ETAs). The Technical Board also allows TABs to discuss horizontal matters relating to the ETAs themselves. Our role is to ensure the process remains clear, consistent, and aligned with the rules of the CPR.
EOTA PR team: The new CPR brings important updates. How is the Technical Board preparing to support its implementation, and what are the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead?
Maria: The new CPR places strong emphasis on digitalisation and sustainability, both exciting and demanding challenges. The EOTA Technical Board is working towards ensuring a smooth transition by updating processes and defining the new ones needed for the future, supporting stakeholders, and maintaining clarity and consistency. To achieve this goal, we coordinate closely with the European Commission.
Knowing that sustainability will be a challenge, we are already working on technical proposals with the European Commission to not only meet the CPR requirements but also help the construction industry implement them.
We are also committed to using the new CPR as an opportunity to improve and digitalise our procedures and tools, ultimately enhancing the service we provide to the industry.
EOTA PR Team: One final question. What message would you like to share with EOTA's stakeholders—both long-standing partners and those just discovering the ETA route?
Maria:
We are at a crossroads for the future of construction in Europe. The ETA route remains a flexible and effective way to demonstrate product performance and bring innovation to the market. EOTA is ready to support all stakeholders —whether you are experienced or just starting with EOTA. Let’s work together to make construction more efficient, sustainable, and open to new ideas.